Delegates attend the discussion (Photo: Vietnam+)
The Viet Nam Social Security (VSS) made use of international experience to guide policy formulation and the implementation of health insurance policies. Comments from international experts and organizations help to strengthen Viet Nam Social Security health insurance delivery.
Viet Nam Social Security Deputy Director Pham Luong Son made the remarks at a workshop with the theme 'Global experience on health insurance law revision' which was jointly held by the Vietnam Social Security and Pharma Group of the European Chamber (Eurocham) of Commerce in Viet Nam.
The workshop was held in Ho Chi Minh City and attended by leaders of the Viet Nam Social Security, Eurocham, Pharma Group, and international experts. The event provided a panorama of specific case studies from Europe and Asia in developing and implementing new financial models, presenting useful implications for Viet Nam in the development of the Law on Health Insurance.
The workshop demonstrates Pharma Group's commitment to making active, responsible, and effective contributions to policymaking efforts of the Government of Viet Nam and ministries/agencies for health sector.
Eurocham Chairman Mr. Alain Cany said the workshop came at a meaningful time for the revision of Viet Nam's Law on Health Insurance. “Designing solutions, international experience from experts, and from major pharmaceutical corporations in the world will bring remarkable results,” he said.
After over 30 years of implementing the health insurance policy and more than 15 years since the Law on Health Insurance was enacted, Viet Nam is gradually actualizing the goal of universal health coverage. To date, 91 per cent of Vietnamese citizens are enrolled in health insurance and 100 per cent enrollment is targeted by the Government.
The health insurance fund is an important financial resource to meet the increasing needs of medical examination and treatment at public and private health facilities. Resources from health insurance play a meaningful part in public health.
However, Viet Nam Social Security Deputy General Director Pham Luong Son pointed out the challenges of implementing the Law on Health Insurance in Viet Nam. In particular, Viet Nam is faced with a rapidly aging population, changing disease patterns, and increasingly advanced health care needs.
Deputy Director of Vietnam Social Insurance Pham Luong Son speaks at the seminar. (Photo: Vietnam+)
Against the backdrop of international economic integration, globalization, modernization, and intensifying Industry 4.0, health insurance practices in Viet Nam have revealed shortcomings. Health insurance policies need to be adjusted to address such shortcomings and suit the current context.
At the workshop, the participants and international experts shared valuable references for the amendment of the Law on Social Insurance. One of the issues that attracted substantial interest was the supplementary health insurance package, which is expected to be included in the (amended) Law on Health Insurance.
Also, Pharma Group stressed its commitment to improving the quality of life of Vietnamese citizens and delivering good value to society. Pharma Group stated it is focused on being a reliable and long-term partner, accompanying the Viet Nam Social Security in the field of health insurance, committed to supporting public health care.
Concluding at the seminar, Viet Nam Social Security Deputy General Director Pham Luong Son acknowledged the valuable discussions of domestic and foreign delegates. These comments will further strengthen the Vietnam Social Security toward effective adjustments to the implementation of health insurance, Son said.
Updating the financial management model, and recognizing the need for additional health insurance packages will assist in meeting health care needs and increasing public coverage./.
